Saponin and preservative compositions and methods

ABSTRACT

The invention is related to methods and compositions for improving feeding and/or production characteristics in animals. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for improving feeding characteristics of an animal including administering a first composition comprising an effective amount of saponins to the animal, and administering a second composition comprising an effective amount of a preservative to the animal. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for improving production characteristics of an animal including administering a first composition comprising an effective amount of saponins to the animal, and administering a second composition comprising an effective amount of a preservative to the animal.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/745,018, filed Apr. 18, 2006, and titled “Saponin and PreservativeCompositions and Methods”, the contents of which is herein incorporatedby reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention is related to methods and compositions for improvingfeeding and/or production characteristics in animals. More specifically,the invention is related to methods and compositions for increasingfeeding and/or production characteristics in animals using a saponincomposition in combination with a preservative.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Of the total costs involved with livestock production, feed costs arethe most significant. Accordingly, maximizing feeding efficiency andproductive output are of the utmost importance to the livestockindustry.

Different techniques have been utilized in order to improve feedingefficiency and/or productive output in animals including the use ofvarious feed additives. Examples of feed additive techniques can befound in U.S. Pat. No. 5,496,571 (Blagdon et al.), U.S. Pat. No.5,219,596 (Smith et al.), and U.S. Pat. No. 4,388,327 (Cummins).However, many feed additives are insufficiently beneficial.

Accordingly, a need exists for methods and compositions that willimprove feeding characteristics such as feeding efficiency and/orproductive output in animals.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is related to methods and compositions for improvingfeeding and/or production characteristics in animals. In an embodiment,the invention includes a method for improving production characteristicsof an animal including administering a first composition comprising aneffective amount of saponins to the animal, and administering a secondcomposition comprising an effective amount of a preservative to theanimal. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for improvingfeeding characteristics of an animal including administering a firstcomposition comprising an effective amount of saponins to the animal,and administering a second composition comprising an effective amount ofa preservative to the animal.

The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describeeach discussed embodiment of the present invention. This is the purposeof the detailed description that follows.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention include methods and compositionsfor improving feeding characteristics of animals and/or improvingproduction characteristics of animals including administering aneffective amount of saponins and administering an effective amount of apreservative.

Saponins are natural plant surfactants that occur in over 500 differentplant species belonging to some 80 different families. They aregenerally recognized by their strong foaming action when placed inwater, which has made them especially useful in the manufacture offoods, beverages, shampoos, wetting agents and pharmaceuticals.

Saponins are classified as surfactants because they have both lipophilicand hydrophilic “regions”. Thus, the surfactant activity of saponins isa result of both fat-soluble and water-soluble moieties in the samemolecule. The lipophilic region may be a steroid, triterpene, oralkaloid, and is termed a sapogenin. The hydrophilic “region” containsone or more water-soluble carbohydrate side chains. The structuralcomplexity of saponins is derived largely from the carbohydrate portionof the molecule due to the many different types of possible side chaincarbohydrates, such as glucose, xylose, galactose, pentose ormethylpentose, which may have different connectivity and/or anomericconfiguration. Saponins have an antiprotozoal activity attributed to thesaponin's ability to interact with cholesterol in protozoal cellmembranes and cause cell lysis.

Ethoxyquin (1,2-dihydro-6-ethoxy-2,2,4-trimethylquinoline; CAS No.91-53-2) is an antioxidant and is one example of a preservative that canbe used in embodiments of the invention. Ethoxyquin has also been usedas an animal feed additive. Animal feed uses of ethoxyquin include: (1)to retard oxidation of carotene, xanthophylls and Vitamins A and E inanimal feed and fish food, (2) to retard oxidation of Vitamin E andcarotene in dehydrated forage crops and (3) to retard organic peroxidesin canned pet food.

Other preservatives can include: ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate,benzoic acid, butylated hydroxyl anisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene(BHT), calcium ascorbate, calcium proprionate, calcium sorbate, citricacid, dilauryl thiodipropionate, distearyl thiodiproprionate, erythrobicacid, formic acid, methylparaben, potassium bisulfite, potassiummeta-bisulfite, potassium sorbate, propionic acid, propyl gallate,propylparaben, resin guaiac, sodium ascorbate, sodium benzoate, sodiumbisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, sodium nitrite, sodium propionate,sodium sorbate, sodium sulfite, sorbic acid, stannous chloride, sulfurdioxide, tertiary butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ), thiodipropionic acid, andtocopherols.

The methods and compositions of the invention can be used for thetreatment of animals, including bovine, fowl, porcine, ovine, and equinespecies. By way of example, the methods and compositions of theinvention can be used for the treatment of cattle, chickens, turkeys,ducks, quail, geese, pigs, and sheep. In a specific embodiment, themethods and compositions of the invention can be used for the treatmentof ruminants.

In an embodiment, the saponin containing composition used in accordancewith the invention comprises at least 0.1% by weight saponins asmeasured by HPLC. In an embodiment, the saponin containing compositionused in accordance with the invention comprises at least 0.5% by weightsaponins as measured by HPLC. In a particular embodiment, the saponincontaining composition used in accordance with the invention comprisesat least 1.0% by weight saponins as measured by HPLC. It is believedthat the effects of the composition are related to the total amount ofsaponins present. Thus, one of skill in the art will appreciate that ifa certain amount of saponins is desired it can be achieved eitherthrough varying the volume of a certain concentration compositionadministered, varying the concentration of a certain volume of acomposition, or both.

Saponins useful in the present invention may also be extracted fromplants of the family: Lillaecae, genus: Yucca, such as Yucca schidigera.Yucca derived saponins generally have steroidal sapogenins.Sarsasapogenin is the major sapogenin found in the Yucca schidigeraplant. Saponins useful in the present invention can also extracted fromplants of the family: Amaryllidaccae, genus: Agave, which growsextensively in the southwestern United States and in Mexico. Additionalsources of saponins can include extracts of soybeans, fenugreek, peas,tea, yams, sugar beets, alfalfa, asparagus, aloe, vanilla, zhimu,Sapindus saponaria, citrus fruits (limonoid saponins) as well as fromQuillaja saponaria bark. Saponins can be extracted from plant materialsin accordance with techniques well-known by those of skill in the art.

Many saponin containing compositions are available commercially. Anexemplary liquid composition containing saponins is sold under thetrademark SARTEMP® by SarTec Corporation of Anoka, Minn. It can preparedby blending an aqueous extract of the plants of the family: Lillaecae,genus: Yucca, or other appropriate Yucca plants containing 10% solidswith antifreeze agents such as calcium chloride, propylene glycol, andthe like, to depress the freezing point to −30° F. The finalconcentration of Yucca soluble solids is 8.25%. The physical andchemical data of SARTEMP® are as follows: Bulk density—10.4 lbs. pergallon; Color—Dark brown; Freezing Point—−30° F.; Saponin—at least 390grams per gallon (3 grams per ounce); pH−5.5-6.0; Total solids—33%;Water—67%.

Compositions in accordance with embodiments of the invention can includevarious other additives. By way of example, compositions can alsoinclude components such as, water, propylene glycol, Vitamin E (asdi-alpha-tocopheryl acetate), Vitamin A Propionate, Vitamin A Palmitate,Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, D-Activated AnimalSterol (source of Vitamin D3), yeast components, dried egg solids, driedcasein, and dried whey.

The typical saponin content that naturally occurs in Yucca plants isfrom 0.1-2% saponins by weight. Yucca extracts can be derived byextracting yucca powder with an aqueous solution that may or may notcontain some fraction of organic solvent such as methanol, ethanol,propanol, butanol, or the like.

Commercially available Yucca extracts can have a total solids contentusually in the range from 5-50%. The saponin content of a typical 50brix (50% solids by weight) yucca extract is usually in the range ofabout 1-2% saponins by weight as measured by HPLC analysis. Anothermethod of measuring total saponin content is the extraction of allsoluble components into a butanol extract followed by gravimetricanalysis of the compounds dissolved in the butanol fraction. Measuringsaponin content by the butanol extract method typically results inhigher numbers than the more advanced HPLC method. Accordingly, thetypical 50 brix (50% solids by weight) yucca extract is usually in therange of about 5-20.0% saponins content by weight as measured by thebutanol extract method.

Saponin containing compositions can also be formulated as dry powder.Such dry formulations are available commercially (SARSTART D®, SARSTARTDSC®, SarTec Corporation, Anoka, Minn.). Dry powder formulations ofsaponin containing compositions may be added to the feed ration via amicro-ingredient machine or added to a feed mix truck and mixedthoroughly to assure even distribution in the feed. By way of example, adry formulation can be added at a rate of 0.25 gram to 10 grams per headper day rate.

Saponin containing compositions in accordance with the invention may bein liquid or dry forms. By way of example, a saponin containing plantextract may be dried into a powder form. In this form, the saponincontaining composition may be administered to an animal as a pill orbolus, or mixed in with other components such as a feed ration. Saponincontaining plant extract may also be in a solution with an amount of acarrier liquid such as water. In this form, the saponin containingcomposition may be administered to an animal as a liquid drench.

Saponin containing compositions may be administered to an animal as asingle dose. Saponin containing compositions may also be administered toan animal in multiple doses. For example, an animal may receive aninitial dose and then receive subsequent maintenance doses in lesseramounts. An animal may receive multiple doses of a saponin containingcomposition in one day, or may receive multiple doses over multipledays.

Animals can be treated with a saponin containing composition in anamount that is effective to improve the feeding characteristics of ananimal and/or improve the production characteristics of an animal incomparison to an untreated control animal. Production characteristicscan include carcass quality grades, yield grades, average daily gain,milk production, and the like. In an embodiment, the amount of saponinsin a dose of a saponin containing composition is at least about 5milligrams. In an embodiment, the amount of saponins in a dose of asaponin containing composition is less than about 10 grams. In anembodiment, the amount of saponins in a dose of a saponin containingcomposition is about 5 mg to 10 grams.

Preservative compositions may be in liquid or dry forms. Thepreservative composition may be administered to an animal as a pill,bolus, drench, or mixed in with other components such as a feed ration.

Animals can be treated with a preservative composition in an amount thatis effective to improve the feeding characteristics of an animal and/orimprove the production characteristics of an animal in comparison to anuntreated control animal. For example, an amount of ethoxyquin equal tobetween about 10 and about 150 ppm of the animals feed ration isadministered. In some instances, an amount of ethoxyquin equal to about50 ppm of the animals feed ration can be administered. In someembodiments, an amount of ethoxyquin equal to about 100 ppm of theanimals feed ration is administered. In other embodiments, an amount ofethoxyquin equal to about 150 ppm of the animals feed ration isadministered.

Administration of the saponin composition may be at the same time asadministration of the preservative composition or at a different time.In an embodiment, a saponin containing composition is administered atthe same time as ethoxyquin. In an embodiment, a composition comprisingboth saponins and ethoxyquin are administered. In an embodiment, asaponin containing composition is administered at least one hour beforeethoxyquin is administered.

Aspects of the present invention may be better understood with referenceto the following examples. These examples are intended to berepresentative of specific embodiments of the invention, and are notintended as limiting the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLE 1 Effects of Saponin and Ethoxyquin Composition on ProductionCharacteristics of Steers

Three hundred and sixty cross-bred Holstein steers were selected from asingle source dairy in New Mexico. These cattle were fed from an averageincoming weight of 300 pounds to a trial start weight of 914 pounds.When the cattle reached the trail start weight they were split randomlyinto control and test pens. The control cattle weighed on average 888pounds. The test cattle weighed on average 940 pounds. After sorting,both the test and control cattle received the normal finishing ration(80% rolled corn, hay and supplement). The supplement fed to all cattle(test and control) during the trial contained Rumensin and Tylan.

In addition to the normal diet, the test cattle received 7.0 grams of atest composition per head per day (split up over 2 feedings per day)mixed directly into the ration. The test composition comprisedapproximately 2.5 wt. % of a Yucca Schidigera powder/extract. The testcomposition also included 21.1 wt. % ethoxyquin (obtained from NovusInternational Inc. as AGRADO powder). The test composition is availablecommercially as SARCHOICE, from SarTec Corporation, Anoka, Minn. Thetest composition was administered with a micro-additive machine. Allcattle received normal vaccinations and were implanted and re-implantedper schedule. The trial was conducted for 109 days. At the end of thetrial period all cattle were harvested.

An exemplary production characteristic is the grading of meat obtainedfrom harvested steers. As such, to evaluate the effects of the testcomposition on the steers, the harvested carcasses were graded accordingto standard USDA beef carcass grading guidelines for both quality grade(with Prime representing the highest quality and Choice representing thesecond highest quality) and yield grade (1-5, with Yield Grade 1representing the highest degree of cutability). The results are shown inTables 1 and 2 below.

TABLE 1 Quality Grade Treatment (%) Control (%) Prime 0.0 0.0 Choice48.0 42.3 Select 37.0 42.1 Dark Cutter 3.0 3.3 Ungraded 12.0 12.3

TABLE 2 Yield Grade Treatment (%) Control (%) 1 11.0 10.0 2 68.0 71.0 320.5 19.0 4 0.5 0.0 5 0.0 0.0

The data shows that administration of the test composition, includingsaponins and ethoxyquin, caused a substantial increase in the percentageof carcasses graded as “Choice” in comparison to the otherwise similarcontrol groups of steers. Specifically, the percentage of carcassesgraded as “Choice” improved from 42.3% to 48%, or an increase of over13%. As the economic value of beef graded as “Choice” is uniformlyhigher than beef graded as “Select”, this increase in the percentagegraded as “Choice” represents a significant improvement in theproduction characteristics of the steers. Dry matter intake (DMI) forboth groups of steers was also monitored over the course of the trial.It was found that the test group had a daily DMI that was approximately2.4% higher, on average, than the control group of steers.

1. A method for improving production characteristics of an animalcomprising: improving average quality grading of animal carcasses byadministering the effective amount of a composition to a ruminant daily,the composition comprising about 2.5 wt. % of a yucca extract, and about20 wt. % of ethoxyquin, wherein the yucca extract comprises saponins. 2.The method of claim 1, wherein improving production characteristicscomprises increasing the percentage of carcasses graded as choice. 3.The method of claim 1, wherein improving production characteristicscomprises increasing the percentage of carcasses graded as choice by atleast about ten percent.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the ruminantis Bos taurus.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the ruminant is asteer.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises 2.5wt. % of the yucca extract.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein thecomposition comprises 21.1 wt. % of the ethoxyquin.
 8. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the saponins comprise sarasaponins.